12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 9

Week 9

Snowflake Ornament

(http://flowergirlcottage.blogspot.com/2013/11/easy-crochet-snowflake-pattern.html)

I have mentioned previously that I absolutely love snow and snowmen. I may not like to get out in it, but it's beauty is something to behold every year with a breath of anticipation and reverence. So when I crochet ornaments, one kind I love completing is a snowflake. Who doesn't enjoy snowflakes? Imagine that on your tree...snowflakes covering a green tree, simulating actual snow. Well...maybe not, but you can imagine right?

So this week's pattern comes from a blog called Flower Girl Cottage. It is a quick and simple pattern without much frills. What makes this pattern so great is the versatility it provides. You can use any color you wish (light blue, white, even silver) and still have wonderful snowflakes.

One note before you start the project. Part of the pattern is written incorrectly. The woman of the blog states in the comments that she is not a professional pattern designers, which is more than fine. As I am able to write patterns, I did spot an issue.

Her Pattern: 
Round 1:
Ch 4 (this counts as as hdc, ch 2) Hdc, Ch2 (5 times) into the circle or magic circle

Correction:
Ch 4 (counts as hdc, ch 2), hdc, ch 2 (5 times) sl st to 2nd st in ch 4. This creates 6 clusters.

The only issue was closing the round.

Project Type: Scrap buster

Skill level: Easy/Beginners with a little advanced knowledge about sewing

Hook Size: G or H hook (I used H.)
    Recommended - H, but G will make it slightly smaller.

Type of Yarn: Worsted Weight - I used Red Heart in  White.

Extra requirements:
Scissors
Stitch marker (if you need it)

Uses for finished product

• embellishment on a present
• ornament
• hat embellishment
• garland

For a hanger: On final sl st, ch 15 and sl st to the same spot. Fasten off and sew in all ends.

Come back on Monday to see the finished product! I would like to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving here in the U.S. Please have a safe holiday and a holiday weekend. If you do your shopping, be wary of the mass amount of people and kind to others.

Why 12 Weeks of Christmas

The 12 Weeks of Christmas was a project I thought about last year when I was really working on my crochet pattern business as a way to advertise the holiday season and my wonderful ornament patterns. As I am moving away from pattern design on a full time scale, I decided to still continue to maintain events on my blog as a offshoot of my own writing career.

Why I chose to continue is simple. I wanted to crochet ornaments. It gets me in the holiday spirit. Whether these ornaments become an addition to my personal Christmas ornament stash (it's getting big) or whether they are added into a gift basket, they are chosen to build me into that spirit of giving and happiness. One thing that I have also chosen to do this year is provide 1-2 ornament baskets for my husband's work party.

The owners of his work have the help and support of all the workers each Christmas to provide money and gifts to local Angel Trees. Each person is encouraged, but not required, to purchase door tickets at the party at $1.00 a piece. The owners provide door prizes from something small like a new lotion to hams, turkeys, and even skiing passes to Ober Gatlinburg. Last year, I provided a set of ornaments that they gave away individually.

This year, I am adding ornaments to a basket to create 1-2 bigger sets of ornaments. I do not claim to be rich, but I do like helping charity when I can and in what capacity I am able. If crocheting ornaments gets me in the Christmas spirit and it can benefit a less than fortunate family this Christmas, I am all for it.

What I ask of you is something simple. If you can afford to give to charity this season, please do. Our economy makes it so hard for families to provide even a Christmas dinner for their families let alone a gift for their children. Take the steps and get into the Christmas spirit by donating and giving to charity. If you do not know where to begin, contact your local fire department. They usually accept donations for Toys for Tots!

In the future weeks, I will be providing a look at the baskets for charity through my blog.